Love Beyond the Mask

Chapter 39

Monica stood on the stage, tears glistening in her eyes, looking every part of the role of a pitiful beauty.

Below, the crowd was pointing fingers at Whitney, their voices raised in anger, “If you can’t produce

evidence from your computer, get off the stage! Monica is the true design prodigy!”

“Whitney, you don’t deserve to compete. Plagiarism could get you expelled.”

Just at the charity ball the other week, this woman was spreading rumors about Monica’s miscarriage.

Now it seems she was framing her all along!” Someone sneered sarcastically from the audience.

The murmurs grew louder.

Whitney stood amid the accusations, her expression icy. Monica had come prepared this time.

“No, it’s not true!” Her assistant burst out angrily, rushing forward. “I watched Whitney work tirelessly

through the night on this piece. Monica, you manipulative witch, twisting the truth…”

“Enough,” Aaron interjected, raising his hand. “Whitney, what’s left to argue if you can’t show proof?

Plagiarists have no place here, and you’re disturbing the peace! Security, escort these two out.”

Without further ado, Whitney and her assistant were ushered unceremoniously out of the exhibit hall.

The sky was a heavy gray, mirroring the storm brewing in Whitney’s heart. Seated on the steps outside,

she reopened her laptop and searched thoroughly once more.

The file folder was gone, her history erased without a trace.

Whitney’s eyes narrowed in cold fury.

Suddenly, her laptop was smashed under a high–heeled shoe!

Monica strutted over, her secretary holding an umbrella to block the pressing reporters. She taunted

Whitney with a smirk, “Sis, thanks for creating such a marvelous piece. It won unanimous praise from

the judges, no doubt snagging the preliminary round’s crown.

Sure, Simon had already sweet–talked Aaron for me, guaranteeing my victory, but winning with your

draft? That’s an indescribable thrill!”

Monica’s whisper was venomous. She pinched Whitney’s cheek maliciously. “You bet everything on

this competition, hoping to ruin me and make a comeback. But look at you now. After today, your name

will be mud, infamous across the internet. What jewelry company would employ a notorious plagiarist?

Whitney, you’re finished! Skye Gem Ltd. is out of your reach!”

Monica left with a triumphant laugh, her recent humiliations avenged.

Whitney remained silent, her gaze icy as she shook off Monica’s hand and stood.

Behind her, Monica’s laughter continued. “You still don’t get why you’ve been played, do you? Thought

you were so smart, Whitney. Did you really think you could outsmart me?”

Monica swaggered away as Tiana approached, her face as pale as a ghost.

The reporters were snapping photos of Whitney’s downfall, and the onlookers whispered among

themselves, especially the shareholders from Skye Gem, who scorned Whitney for her audacity and

plagiarism.

Tiana shouted them away, pulling Whitney to her feet.

Her assistant picked up the crushed laptop. Tiana whirled around, her eyes blazing as she sta

“Who else could have gotten to the lapto

lared at Whitney’s assistant. “It was you, wasn’t it?” Did Monica’s lackey buy you off?”

“It wasn’t me, I swear, Whitney, please believe me…” Her assistant was bewildered, crying in distress.

wey watched her assistant quetly and then stopped Trane’s hand. Don’t be rash, Tiana. It wasn’t her?

But no one else had access to your laptop/ Trana trembled with anger.

wasn’t het Whitney sand her gaze thoughtful “Remember October 2nd, Tiana? What day was it?”

Tiana paused then replied. “We had a gathering with Stella on October 1st, and you stayed at my place

on the

Whitney turned to the assistant. Has anyone else touched this laptop since we arrived?”

Absolutely not? The assistant declared earnpatly.

Whitney frowned, but her eyes held a sharp determination.

Think back I mean every single person, every single touch.”

Stella isn’t just anyone, though. When I went to the bathroom, she came out of the ad room and held it

for me for a moment”

Tiana froze, her pretty face going cold.

Whitney’s expression had already settled into icy resolve.

Tiana struggled to believe it. “You’re joking, right? How could it be Stella? We’ve known her for years.”

I never wanted to believe it either.” That was why she had never suspected and why Monica’s trap was

so perfectly laid out.

Whitney’s voice was a whisper crushed by weight.

“Where’s Stella now?”

“She mentioned a celebration party at the Royal One Club.”

Whitney got into the car, her face weary. “Then let’s go to the Royal One Club.”

“You really suspect her?” Tiana’s heart was heavy. “But what if it’s not her? We could ruin our friendship

over nothing.”

“If it is her and we don’t root out this cancer, Monica will indeed have the last laugh.” Whitney’s gaze

was piercing.

Tiana bit her lip and fell silent.

After a moment, Tiana asked, “But how will you make her confess? If she denies everything and we

have no proof she tampered with the computer…”

Whitney closed her eyes with a cold laugh. “That’s the easy part.”

Betrayed by trust, Tiana drove Whitney to the Royal One Club with a heavy heart.

The Royal One Club was Banyan City’s most exclusive venue, its owner a mystery to all.

Entry was a closely guarded privilege, comprising the city’s elite clientele.

Tiana had to pull strings just to get Whitney inside.

They arrived at the Maple Pavilion Room No. 1.

Inside, the party was in full swing, with Stella weaving seductively among directors and actors.

‘Stella? Tiana called out from the doorway, her brow furrowed.

Holding a glass of wine, Stella turned and managed her expression instantly, smiling as she

approached. “Tiana, Whitney, what brings you to the Royal One Club?”

“Is it inappropriate for me to show up now?” Whitney chuckled. The corners of her fine tils

smile.

“What are you talking about!” Stella chided, crossing the room in a few quick strides to warmly hug

Whitney. kissing her cheek. “So, how did it go? Did you totally crush it in the prelims? Let’s celebrate

tonight!”

Tiana glanced at Whitney, then quickly turned her eyes to Stella. “Stella, Whitney’s design got swiped

by Monica. She might get kicked out of the competition.”

Stella’s face went pale as a ghost. “What happened?”

Whitney just watched her with a thin, wry smile, arching a perfectly shaped eyebrow. “It’s alright. Who

knows? | might just make a comeback.”

“Stella!” Someone called from inside.

Stella looked torn. “The victory party isn’t over yet.”

“It’s fine, you go back to your guests,” Tiana said quickly.

As the door to the private room closed, Whitney fixed her gaze on it while Tiana tried to console

herself. “Whitney, did you see Stella’s face? She seemed genuine. Maybe she didn’t betray us after

all.”

Whitney shot her a glance, a sarcastic laugh escaping her lips. “Have you forgotten what her day job Content property of NôvelDra/ma.Org.

entails?”

“We’ll find out soon enough,” Whitney said with a tone of resolve.

“What’s your plan?” She asked, tension lacing her voice.